Final answer:
A moderately loose alternator belt can cause a discharged battery, a squealing noise when accelerating, poor power steering assist, and engine overheating.
Step-by-step explanation:
A moderately loose alternator belt can cause various issues in a vehicle. These include:
- A discharged battery: A loose belt may cause insufficient charging of the battery, leading to a discharge over time.
- A squealing noise when accelerating: When the belt slips, it can create a squealing noise, especially during acceleration.
- Poor power steering assist: A loose belt can affect the power steering pump's operation, resulting in poor or difficult steering assistance.
- Engine overheating: In some cases, a loose belt can cause the water pump to rotate at a lower speed, leading to insufficient coolant circulation and engine overheating.